Read the full article by Don Reid (Sturgis Journal)
“Fourteen more homes in White Pigeon will have wells tested for PFAS contamination, but not until the COVID-19 emergency passes, said Paul Andriaachi, environmental health director at Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency.
In a report Thursday to the health department board, Andriaachi said three of 19 homes whose well-water were tested showed levels of PFAS above 70 parts per trillion, considered a health risk. The three homes with wells above 70 ppt are having under-counter water filters installed.
Of the 19 homes, 12 were under the 70 ppt level. Four tests did not detect any of the chemical.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy wants to expand the testing to 14 homes to the east of the current test sites, where the higher numbers were found.
Andriacchi said EGLE has suspended all testing during the virus outbreak, unless there is an emergency, Andriacchi said.
Homeowners of the 14 sites will be notified soon. The state is drafting a letter to be sent to those homes, which will be provided with bottled water, but because of COVID-19, there could be a shortage, Andriacchi said.
‘My concern in talking to the grocery store is that they may not always have an adequate supply of bottled water,’ he said. ‘Therefore, we are going to provide them with a 1-gallon pitcher filter in case they cannot obtain the bottled water.’